Television Personality. He was best known as host of the highly-popular New York-based music program "The Clay Cole Show" (1959 to 1968). Born Albert Rucker, Jr., in Youngstown, Ohio, he began his career in entertainment at the age of fifteen, as host of the local program "Rucker's Rumpus Room" in 1953. Cole moved to New York City four years later where he worked as a page at NBC and was later a production assistant for the game show "Twenty-One." In 1959 "The Clay Cole Show," a similar format to "American Bandstand" began airing, and would feature the hottest musical acts of the period, notably a 1960s episode that included The Beatles and Rolling Stones at the same time. In addition, the program was a launching point in the careers of stand-up comedians George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Cole starred in the film "Twist Around the Clock" (1961), which also included Chubby Checker and Dion. He left the series in 1968 and became a successful TV writer and producer. He died from a heart attack.
Television Personality. He was best known as host of the highly-popular New York-based music program "The Clay Cole Show" (1959 to 1968). Born Albert Rucker, Jr., in Youngstown, Ohio, he began his career in entertainment at the age of fifteen, as host of the local program "Rucker's Rumpus Room" in 1953. Cole moved to New York City four years later where he worked as a page at NBC and was later a production assistant for the game show "Twenty-One." In 1959 "The Clay Cole Show," a similar format to "American Bandstand" began airing, and would feature the hottest musical acts of the period, notably a 1960s episode that included The Beatles and Rolling Stones at the same time. In addition, the program was a launching point in the careers of stand-up comedians George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Cole starred in the film "Twist Around the Clock" (1961), which also included Chubby Checker and Dion. He left the series in 1968 and became a successful TV writer and producer. He died from a heart attack.
Bio by: C.S.
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